This is a short but poignant reminder that Horatio is a crack shot. With two pistols in hand, his balance just regained, he managed to land bothshots without hesitation. Horatio’s aim, once placed, never falters.

I mention this because imagine what the story would have been like if Clayton had not panicked and knocked Horatio out that day on the Justinian.

I also mention this because it ties into Horatio’s “three fundamentals” that he felt he needed for the Navy. The ability to stomach violence, blood, death and trauma was all checked off by the time he had his sights set on matters ( he was ten when he determined he might want to be an officer, but Geoffrey dismissed it as childish whimsy. )

Secondly was the ability to swim, which he picked up at a young age thanks to Fiona. He was absolutely in love with water and swimming, and this only furthered his ambitions.

Lastly, was the ability to fire steadily. This he did not glean until he began his high education and was able to trade lessons in how to operate a pistol in exchange for concluding and overseeing mathematical equations and Greek philosophy papers.

The sound of the shot startled him and took some time to overcome, by which point he was a steady shot and certain he was Ready For The King’s Navy in every way but a full understanding of a ship beyond his theoretical book studies. He learned the hard way that one or two gunshots is nothing in comparison to the pound and pressure of canonfire or the consistent pop of steady fire, but we already knew that part.